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Central Michigan extends UMKC losing streak to 5 games

By Derek Helling

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: A generic basketball photo of the Official @NBA Spalding basketball going through the net during the San Antonio Spurs game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 12, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 12: A generic basketball photo of the Official @NBA Spalding basketball going through the net during the San Antonio Spurs game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 12, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The men’s basketball team from UMKC has lost a season-high five games in a row after the Central Michigan Chippewas handed them another defeat on Tuesday night in overtime.

UMKC men’s basketball fans looking for an answer to end the Roos’ five-game losing streak don’t need to do a deep dive into game metrics. The consistent theme has been defensive lapses which have allowed opponents to put distance between themselves and UMKC on the scoreboard. On Tuesday night against Central Michigan at Municipal Auditorium, that trend reared its ugly head in the extra period of a 92-86 overtime loss for the Roos.

After the game, UMKC head coach Kareem Richardson spoke about the need to defend consistently in order to prevent opponents from going on those game-changing runs.

"“As a team, we have to get better defensively and be able to get crucial stops in close ball games. It’s something that we have to look at film and try to see where we can tweak, whether it’s ball-screen defense or different types of coverages that need to tighten up to where teams aren’t getting wide-open layups.”"

Central Michigan scored eight of the first 10 points in the game’s overtime, but the game began in very different fashion. In the game’s first few minutes, UMKC looked like the team better prepared to play. Led by sophomore guard Xavier Bishop, who ended up leading the team in points on the night with 23, the Roos got out to a 15-8 advantage. The feeling was that UMKC had an opportunity to take full control of the game.

Central Michigan fought back to prevent the Roos from building a double-digit lead, but thanks to contributions from many roster components like junior center Mo Ahmed, UMKC was able to maintain its advantage. At the half, the Roos led 40-33.

In the second half, UMKC further showed its developing depth. Reserves like freshman guard Marco Smith came in to keep the game close, and ultimately force overtime. Despite the loss, the Roos again surpassed the 30-point mark in bench points. UMKC’s bench outscored Central Michigan’s 33-14. Richardson commented on the need for that trend to continue.

"“Guys are starting to get better. Mo gave us a nice lift there in the first half, gave us six points off the bench and got his hands on some balls defensively. We are going to need him more and more as the year goes along, with size and trying to give Aleer a break sometimes play those two guys at the same time. Marco continues to get better offensively, we can go right down the line.”"

Joining Bishop in double figures on the night were sophomore guard Isaiah Ross with 20 points, Smith with 12 and freshman guard Brandon McKissic with 10. Ross led the team in rebounds with seven. McKissic recorded five assists to lead the team in that category. Smith led the team in steals with two.

As a team, the Roos shot just over 41 percent from the field for the game, including just over 30 percent from 3-point range. UMKC won the turnover battle 15-13, but was out-rebounded 48-41.

Next: Mizzou Basketball: Best head coaches of all-time for Missouri

The Roos will try to avoid a sixth consecutive loss back at Municipal Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 22, against South Dakota State (10-5). In order for that to happen, the game plan should be simple: maximize their opportunities while limiting their opponent’s.

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